Iran Fights Back Against U.S. Block on U.N. Ambassador

Demands United Nations Reverse Washington's Decision

By

Joe Lauria

April 15, 2014 7:29 p.m. ET

NEW YORK—Iran is fighting back against Washington's denial of a visa to its new United Nations ambassador, demanding that the U.N. reverse the U.S. decision.

The U.S. has repeatedly insisted that Iran's appointment of Hamid Aboutalebi is unacceptable because he is tied to the 1979 hostage crisis when 52 American diplomats were held in Tehran. Mr. Aboutalebi has acknowledged being a translator at the U.S. Embassy when it was occupied...